THE MOTHER of four children killed by a house fire in Walkden has been told of their deaths.

Michelle Pearson, aged 36, has been in hospital in a coma since the fire in December, but, within the last two weeks, regained consciousness well enough to be able to communicate.

She remains in intensive care but is now able to talk to her family and hospital staff and eat and drink.

And she has been given the heartbreaking news that four of her children, Demi Pearson, aged 15,  Brandon Pearson, aged eight, Lacie Pearson, aged seven and three-year-old Lia Pearson died in the fire which engulfed their terraced home in Jackson Street, Walkden.

Ms Pearson suffered severe injuries, including serious burns, in the fire which killed members of her family in the early hours of December 11 last year.

But DCI  Lewis Hughes, who is leading the investigation into the fire for Greater Manchester Police, said: "Within the last couple of weeks she has made significant progress."

He added that Ms Pearson is still medicated but not sedated, although it is likely to be several months before she is well enough to leave hospital.

"She is making good progress. She is lucid, eating and drinking and able to communicate with family members."

Her children Demi, Brandon and Lacie died the same day as the fire and toddler Lia passed away two days later. 

On Monday, at Manchester Crown Court, three people are due to go on trial accused of their murder, attempted murder and arson.

Zac Bolland, aged 23, of Blackleach Drive, Walkden, Courtney Brierley, aged 20, of Worsley Avenue, Worsley and David Worrall, aged 26, of Worsley Avenue, Worsley, each face four murder charges, three counts of attempted murder and a charge of intentional arson.

The trial is due to last four weeks.